“We got the five in a two-hour period between 10 p.m. and midnight, said city police Chief Chris Luppino. “These were all undercover deals with prostitutes.”

The five women allegedly offered to perform sex acts in exchange for $50.

“They are pretty bold, coming straight up to the car,” Luppino said. “We’ve gotten complaints that they’ve gone as far as to open the doors.

“Residents in the neighborhood have been complaining, as well as people who work in the area and have to drive through in the morning,” the chief added of the alleged prostitutes. “They are out there in the morning, afternoon and at night.”

Luppino said having a detective working directly with the drug task force has proven beneficial for both agencies.

“We will definitely continue the enforcement against prostitution,” Luppino said. “And we will do a reversal on the johns. We plan to enforce this on both ends.”

Doswell and Dixon were placed in the Washington County jail on probation detainers. Police also charged Ruscello with prostitution and possession of heroin stemming from a May 23 incident at the same location.

Charges against the five will be sent by summons from the office of District Judge Robert Redlinger.

City police were investigating another prostitution complaint Sunday night in the 100 block of West Chestnut Street when they found a man wanted on a warrant out of Osceola County, Fla.

Daniel Stephens, 29, of Orlando, identified himself as Stephen Harthcock to city police. Officers found Stephens’ identification in his wallet and learned he is wanted on a warrant for possession of drugs.

He was arraigned as a fugitive from justice by District Judge David Mark and placed in the Washington County jail without bond pending extradition to Florida.

Kathie Warco

Staff Writer

Kathie O. Warco has covered the police beat and transportation for the Observer-Reporter for more than 25 years. She graduated from Duquesne University with a degree in journalism.